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The fur is flying, feathers are ruffled and the political animals are fighting like cats and dogs to be alpha mayor of the fictional town of Divide.

“Most of them openly admit that they can be bought for the price of a biscuit,” the Teller County Regional Animal Shelter said of the nine candidates vying to be the unincorporated 130-human community’s top dog — be they canine, feline, pack animal or fowl.

The field includes dogs Ashley, Zack, Vader, Dante and Squirt, wolf Nakai, cat Walter, parrot Jade and donkey Tarzan.

It costs $1 to vote online — as often as you like — and pictures of the candidates and their qualifications are at

Polls are open until April 3.

Walter, the cat nominated by his employer, the Animal Clinic of Woodland Park, “has the perfect temperament for a government official — nothing bothers him. And, he will patiently listen to both sides of an argument.”

As of Friday, Walter had taken a 390 to 325 lead over Nakai.

Third place was Tarzan, the 6-year-old donkey from the Cripple Creek herd, who says he is proud to be a town jackass.

“I currently live with 12 other donkeys here in town,” he states in his personal appeal.

“During the summer we roam wherever we want. Our days are spent entertaining tourists and having our pictures taken. We also enjoy eating up the flower beds of the humans who forget to shut their gates.”

A meet-the-candidates rally is planned for Feb. 25 at the shelter at 308 Weaverville Road in Divide.

There will be refreshments, a presentation about the shelter and a drawing from among voters to win prizes fit for humans and pets.

“This won’t be your standard political event as these aren’t your standard politicians,” the shelter promised.

Joey Bunch: 303-954-1174 or jbunch@denverpost.com